Hurst Humbug

Matthew Lysiak
for The Brooklyn Paper
December 2, 2006

Holiday lights? Humbug, say the merchants of Bensonhurst.
The holiday lights that usually rise shortly after Thanksgiving are noticably absnet this year-- and local officials say they may become a permanent ghost of Christmas past.
While in previous years the Board of Trade, a represenative group for local business, had little problem gathering the needed funds for the lights, many merchants appear to have played Scrooge this year.
The lights extended from 18th to 24th Avenue on 86th street and mercahnts are typically asked to donate $100.
"This year...there has been almost no interest," said Community Board 11 District Manager Howard Feuer.
Locals are crying in their eggnog.
"Bensonhurst is known for decorations," said resident Steve Dessin. "People come from all over to see the lights. I can't understand why they aren't up."
Dessin believes the lights stimulate business by putting would-be shoppers in the holiday mood. Now, he wants answers.
"It's kind of dreary here without them," he said.
Feuer blamed the recent lack of holiday cheer on demographic changes that have transformed Brooklyn's "Little Italy" into a cultural melting pot.
Feuer cited many benefits of a diverse community, but mentioned one drawback: the lack of a cohesive trade association.
"It is sad," Feuer said. "Over the last 30 years, I have watched our board of Trade dwindle from one of the strongest in the borough to almost non-existent and this is the result."
Feuer was quick to point out that consumers don't travel to Bensonhurst for the lights, they come for the shopping.
"86th Street is strong, lights or no lights," he said.
Dessin wasn't as cheery.
"I find it hard to believe that there could be that many scrooges in Bensonhurst," he said.